Developing a Simple, Robust and Universal Surface Coating Method

这项研究是关于开发一种通用的表面改性方法，适用于任何表面，而不考虑表面化学或材料特性。目前，每种表面改性方法都只针对某一类表面。这种通用的表面改性方法是不存在的。这项工作的目的是通过物理或/和化学力对儿茶酚表面结合进行系统和基础的研究，并开发一种简单、可靠和通用的表面涂覆方法。本研究的方法是将表征良好的聚合物（由一个功能片段和一个表面粘附片段组成）附着在表面上。表面粘附部分将基于儿茶酚基团，原则上可以附着在任何类型的表面上，特别是在胺基存在的情况下。功能部分将基于两性离子聚（羧甜菜碱甲基丙烯酸酯）（PCB）聚合物，因为PCB在水溶液中高度水合，这是最具挑战性的表面涂层问题。这种通用涂层将在许多表面上进行测试，从疏水性到亲水性，包括贵金属，金属，聚合物和半导体。如果成功，这项研究的好处将包括：(a)对化学和物理作用力如何相互作用以获得稳定且具有高堆积密度的表面涂层的基本理解；(b)适用于将任何种类的功能聚合物附着到任何表面的新表面改性策略。它将对从医疗设备到消费产品的广泛应用产生重大影响。代表性不足的本科生和社区学院的研究人员将通过完善的外展计划招募。该项目还将为高中学生和教师提供暑期研究机会，并为访问学生和教授提供机会。PI一直积极参与国家和大学层面的国际合作，并正在组织将于2013年12月举行的第一届生物启发和两性离子材料国际会议。

This research is about developing a universal surface modification method applicable to any surface, irrespective of surface chemistry or material characteristics. At present, each surface modification method is specific to only a certain type of surface. Such a universal surface modification method does not exist. The objective of this work is to perform a systematic and fundamental study of catechol surface binding via physical or/and chemical forces and to develop a simple, robust, and universal surface coating method. The approach of this research will be to attach a well-characterized polymer, consisting of one functional moiety and one surface-adhesive moiety, to a surface. The surface-adhesive moiety will be based on a catechol group, which in principle can be attached to any type of surface, particularly in the presence of amine groups. The functional moiety will be based on a zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (PCB) polymer, since this is the most challenging surface coating problem due to PCB being highly hydrated in aqueous solutions. This universal coating will be tested on a number of surfaces ranging from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, including noble metals, metals, polymers, and semiconductors. If successful, the benefits of this research will include (a) a fundamental understanding of how chemical and physical forces interplay to achieve surface coatings that are stable and have a high packing density and (b) a new surface modification strategy applicable for attaching any kind of functional polymer to any surface. It will have significant impact in a wide range of applications from medical devices to consumer products. Underrepresented undergraduate and community college researchers will be recruited through well-established outreach programs. This project will also provide opportunities for high school students and teachers for summer research and for visiting students and professors. The PI has been actively involved in international collaborations at national and university levels and is organizing the first international conference on bio-inspired and zwitterionic materials to be held in December 2013.